Bengaluru: For the last two years both the BBMP and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) have trying to curb the use of environmentally hazardous PoP Ganesha idols across the city, but they have been unable to do so due to poor enforcement.

This time BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad on Friday warned that only eco-friendly Ganesha idols will be allowed to be immersed in ponds and immersion tanks.

After failing to curb PoP idol making level Prasad is trying to do so at the consumer level by imposing restrictions on immersions.

Eco warriors, however, counter that this strategy will not bring about any deterrence among the public. They argue that the BBMP and KSPCB must crack down at idol making level and restrict moulds being brought to the city at the check posts itself.

On Thursday, the first day of Ganesha Chatruthi as many as 1,69,394 Ganesha idols have been immersed at the immersion tanks and mobile tankers.

Bengaluru South zone saw the highest number of immersion of PoP Ganesha idols. The zone also saw highest number of eco-friendly Ganesha idols (59,298).

The idol immersions are expected to on the third and fifth day, said BBMP sources. Surprisingly, as per the BBMP statistics, not a single PoP Ganesha idols have been immersed in R.R. Nagar. However, some counter PoP idols may have been immersed surreptitiously and BBMP may not have spotted it.

The festival has also added to the increase in the wet waste and the BBMP trying to ensure that wet waste is not dumped into the tanks. They are making the devotees drop pooja materials at the entry point and take only the idols for immersion.

BBMP has made immersion facility at Sankey tank, Ulsoor and Yediyur lakes. It has also engaged professionals to immerse the idols to prevent revelers from entering the tank and risking their lives.